We've repeatedly asked the Treasury to challenge findings from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research that a 3p cut in duty would create 70,000 jobs and increase GDP by 0.2%, but they refuse to rebuff these figures.

So far, the nascent economic recovery has been bankrolled by consumers, rather than industry and having the highest fuel taxation in Europe will reduce any further flows of disposable income into the UK economy.

More than 60% of consumers do essential food shopping by car and 50% use cars and vans to commute to work. Restricting both of these activities by high fuel taxation threatens future growth and causes misery to millions.

A 3p per litre duty cut for all vehicle fuels in the Budget isn't just prudent fiscal planning; it should be an essential pillar of the Government's strategy for economic regeneration.

Any financial recovery begins through increased consumer spending. The Treasury must not ignore this essential fiscal truth.